Being mental health advocate is Michael Phelps’s biggest achievement

Michael Phelps

A self-confessed "shark" in the water Michael Phelps trained non-stop in pursuit of his all-consuming dream to become the greatest swimmer of all time.

But Phelps, 37, disclosed that none of his 60 plus gold medals, including a record 23 in the Olympics, weigh more than his current career as a mental health advocate.
After years hiding his depression, Phelps told AFP in an interview at the Demain le sport (Sports Tomorrow) forum in Paris, his post-swimming career was even busier than his punishing schedule in the pool. "I'd rather have the opportunity to save a life then win another gold medal because this is way more important," said Phelps. "We have lost way too many Olympic athletes to suicide. I don't want to lose any more of my Olympic family members."

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Phelps' depression first emerged in 2004, the year of his first Olympics in Athens when he won eight medals including six in gold. "Competing was one of my favourite things. I was a shark and smelt blood in the water and kept going," he said.